mRNA Vaccine Platform — Questions and answers

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What was the big problem before mRNA technology helped make vaccines faster?

Choices

  1. Vaccines were too expensive.
  2. Vaccines took too long to make. ✓
  3. People didn't like getting vaccines.
  4. Doctors didn't know how to make vaccines.

Answer: Vaccines took too long to make.

From page 1

What big problem did Dr. Karikó face when she first tried to use mRNA?

Choices

  1. Cells thought the mRNA was an invader. ✓
  2. She didn't have enough mRNA to use.
  3. No one believed her idea could ever work.
  4. The mRNA was too hard to see.

Answer: Cells thought the mRNA was an invader.

From page 3

What two main problems did Dr. Karikó and Dr. Weissman need to solve for mRNA?

Choices

  1. Its smell and its color.
  2. Its size and its shape.
  3. Its instability and how it made cells react. ✓
  4. Its cost and how it tasted.

Answer: Its instability and how it made cells react.

From page 4

What did Karikó and Weissman do to trick the immune system in 2005?

Choices

  1. They made the mRNA glow in the dark.
  2. They changed one of mRNA's building blocks. ✓
  3. They hid the mRNA inside a tiny box.
  4. They told the immune system to ignore it.

Answer: They changed one of mRNA's building blocks.

From page 5

What are Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs) used for in mRNA technology?

Choices

  1. To make the mRNA taste better.
  2. To help the mRNA change colors.
  3. To protect the mRNA and help it get into cells. ✓
  4. To make the mRNA disappear completely.

Answer: To protect the mRNA and help it get into cells.

From page 6

What event showed the world the true power of mRNA vaccines?

Choices

  1. The invention of the internet.
  2. The COVID-19 pandemic. ✓
  3. The first moon landing.
  4. A big science fair.

Answer: The COVID-19 pandemic.

From page 9